A Pair of Silver Wings
James Holland
ISBN: 978 0 434 01014 1
ISBN: 0 434 01014 6
404 pages
Hardback and Paperback
‘A Pair of Silver Wings’ by the Sunday Times best-
Although it is a work of fiction, the wartime parts of his story are based around real events, in particular The Siege of Malta and the Italian partisan activities that took place in the mountains south of Bologna, where 208 Squadron operated in 1944 and 1945. His characters are inspired by real people, young men mostly, who lived, loved and died during the Second World War.
In his presentation to the Naval Eight / 208 Squadron Annual Reunion in 2004, Ken Pugh described 208 Squadron’s part in the Italian campaign and, in particular the shooting down of a colleague, Eric (‘Judy’) Garland who, although presumed killed, had survived, escaped capture and led a group of Italian partisans for the remainder of the War. The Italian section of Holland’s book might well have been based on the exploits of ‘Judy’ Garland of 208 Squadron.
The book is well written and entertaining, and a wonderful tribute to the courageous young men who flew Spitfires during the Second World War. It is compelling and moving and an exceptionally good read.
Published by
William Heinemann
The Random House Group Limited
20 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London
SW1V 2SA
1st printing 2006